Disclaimer: Nope, the character's still aren't mine. (sulks) . . . dammit.
Speak To Me Of Freedom
By: Sharys Aogail Chapter 4
The mismatched pair finally stopped early the next evening, with Yusuke declaring loudly that he needed a break from Hiei's dead weight. The true reason, Hiei soon found out, was that he wanted to check on his wounds and to give them both some much needed rest. Not like Hiei would admit that the break was welcome.
As the day had rolled past, Hiei had had more than enough time to actually think about the situation he was in. With his background and upbringing, he found it difficult to believe that Yusuke, a Jantan, an enemy, would help him out of the goodness of his heart. There must have been something he wanted or some other ulterior motive behind this supposedly random act of "kindness". Maybe not now, but somewhere along the road he would end up asking for something in return. It was only a matter of time.
Nothing ever came for free.
So he would keep quiet and wait until he was able to efficiently defend himself. As soon as his strength returned, he would dispose of the bastard that had made a fool of him and then return to base where he was long overdue. His magic reserves were finally beginning to replenish themselves, but it would be a while yet before he could summon anything stronger than a few flickering candle flames. Hiei was not a patient person by nature, but the image of Yusuke engulfed in black fire was incentive enough to wait.
A fine layer of mist had settled over the woods, giving the two battered soldiers some additional cover while they relaxed. They had discovered a small cove of boulders wedged between two towering oaks, the tangle of rocks, roots and dirt creating a relatively comfortable place to rest. No sooner than his self-proclaimed task as nursemaid was done, Yusuke had claimed a cozy little hallow as his own and promptly went to sleep.
Hiei glared at the Jantan's apparent laziness, but didn't comment. Hiei was tired as well but he wasn't ready to go to sleep quite yet. He didn't mind taking first watch.
Besides, he had business to attend to. As soon as he was sure Yusuke was asleep, he allowed himself to relax and reached out with his mind, searching. The link between himself and his sister had been eerily silent without the even the barest of touches, leaving Hiei more than a little concerned. Even though it had been years since they had last seen each other face to face, they both made it a point to stay in contact, notifying the other of their location (if possible) and how they were doing. This was the only real comfort the siblings had, assured by the near-constant contact however small.
And Yukina had been far too silent.
When Hiei received no reply, he reached out further, stretching to the very limits of his range, no longer caring if he ended up broadcasting.
There.
The warm aquamarine of Yukina's mind brushed against his, the touch fading even as they made the connection. Well aware that time was short, she began sending him her thoughts and feelings. She was scared and stressed, and so relieved that he was alright. She was also confused and nervous. They were moving her and she had no idea why, and no one would tell her anything, not even the nice guard that had given her the pretty ribbon. No one ever told her anything . . .
Realizing the connection was about to break completely, he sent her what reassurance he could and repeated the promise he had made so long ago.
He felt her smile even as she slipped from his grasp, leaving him in an empty silence.
Coming back to himself Hiei sighed and leaned forward even as his eyes slid back open. His good hand curled into a fist, small nails biting into pale skin.
How much longer could he do this? He'd been playing their game for years, and after each passing assignment he told himself that he was that much closer to his goal. He'd played by their rules and did as they asked, as he was told, and waited. He couldn't retaliate, not now, not when they had her. But with things as they were how much longer could he afford to wait?
I'll come for you. Soon.
As Hiei once more took in his battered body, his hand clenched tighter, the nails drawing blood. He prayed that he didn't make himself a liar.
With that final thought on his mind, he rose to wake Yusuke so he could get some sleep as well.
oOoOo
Yusuke woke to a blinding pain to his gut, and the harsh sound of someone barking orders.
"I said on your feet you little worm!"
Gasping for air, his eyes snapped open to glare at the man who had kicked him, and was met with not one, but nearly two dozen hard-faced soldiers. He blinked slowly, taking in the dull green uniform jackets, darker camouflage pants and the unmistakable triangular insignia emblazoned on each and every one of them.
Suddenly remembering the Vahlkran beside him, Yusuke leapt to his feet and drew his magnums, the identical barrels darting from one soldier to the next, warning them to stay back.
The Jantan forces had found them. And they were trapped, cornered in the very alcove they had taken shelter in the night before.
Yusuke heard the soft hissing of steel behind him and realized that Hiei was awake as well. He took a step closer to the small Shade, purposely positioning himself between him and the other soldiers. He glared fiercely at them, his eyes daring them to come closer.
But Yusuke was forced to realize the truth of the matter. There were more men than he had bullets, and once he ran out there would be no time to stop and reload.
"It's been a long time Yusuke."
Yusuke's eyes widened at the familiar voice, his whole body seizing up and trembling ever so slightly.
Stepping away from the rest of his men, a tall long-limbed man came into view, a smirk sliding into place on his deeply tanned face. His smirk seemed to grow as he took in Yusuke's rigid posture. "And here I was beginning to think you had forgotten me," Sensui said, the captain's voice deceptively light.
Attempting to calm his rapidly fraying nerves, Yusuke swallowed hard and adjusted his grip on his guns, his knuckles long since gone white. His jaw clenched tight as he beat down a wave of unpleasant memories, refusing to falter now when it truly mattered.
"What's wrong with you?" Hiei hissed to him quietly.
"Shut up Hiei," Yusuke warned tightly.
Seemingly for the first time, Sensui took notice of the small man kneeling behind Yusuke. "Consorting with the enemy now, Yusuke . . .or is he your new pet?"
Several soldiers chuckled while both Hiei and Yusuke growled at the term.
"No? Then I guess you wouldn't mind if we took the little Vahlkran off your hands then."
With a snarl, Yusuke cocked both of his guns single-handedly, months of practice making the action automatic. This was their final warning. "Touch him and every one of you bastards die here!"
There was a long silence as Sensui regarded the man before him. "Have it your way then. Yusuke Urameshi, you stand before us charged of treason." He signaled his men. "Arrest him, then kill the Vahlkran. I'll be sure to mention your names to the Emperor."
The first soldier to step forward dropped like a stone, half of his skull suddenly gone in an explosion of crimson liquid. A single wisp of smoke drifted from a gun barrel, smoldering brown eyes waiting for their next victim to come forward.
They didn't have to wait long.
Author's Note: Wow, I'm so glad I actually got this out with everything that's been happening lately. My High School days are coming to a close in a massive flurry of awards, appointments, fieldtrips, paperwork, and activities. I had a graduation party to plan, a prom dress to hem, tickets to buy, and a convention to prepare for. Whew.
Special Thanks To:Rujutoshi: Heehee! Thanks, as usual! Always good to hear from ya!
Nobody's Business: Some of the gaps that you pointed out were intentional, but I'll try to work on the others. Thank you for being observant, and for giving your suggestions and for taking the time to comment at all. I never was any good about describing clothing . . . my own wardrobe consists of battered t-shirts (namely my brother's) and a comfy pair of jeans.
DarknessFireAngel: I'm so glad people think that I'm keeping everyone in character. I try, but I don't always know if I'm pulling it off or not.
Skittles the Sugar Fairy: Hey wow! Thanks! I'm glad that I managed to get your attention. (I've seen your review for Rujutoshi, and so was thrilled to get a review from a name I recognized) I hope you enjoy the chapters to come.
Hyperdude: Don't give him too much credit yet! It's still early in the story!
Cursed Moon Blade: (waves) Cool name. I hope your confusion goes away as the story progresses.
Lady Pearl Lightquest: "Get cracking"? Ebby darling, I love ya too but BITE ME! I have a life too . . . somewhere. Really. Stop laughing at me!